the Risks of Pregnancy After Delayed Menstruation and Emergency Contraception

Menstruation is delayed after taking emergency contraceptive pills?

I had my period on November 21st.
On December 27th, five days late, I had unprotected intercourse at midnight.
I went for a gynecological check-up in the afternoon of the 27th and was told I was not pregnant.
I was prescribed medication to induce my period and bought emergency contraception to take in the afternoon of the 28th.
What are the chances of becoming pregnant in this situation?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/29

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it's best to take preventive measures at all times.
Do not rely on the safe period.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/12/29

More Info

When considering the risks of pregnancy after a delayed menstruation and the use of emergency contraception, it is essential to understand the physiological processes involved and the effectiveness of the methods used.

Firstly, the menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with ovulation occurring approximately 14 days before the start of the next period. If your last menstrual period started on November 21, and you experienced a delay in your next period, it is crucial to determine whether you were approaching your ovulation window during the sexual encounter on December 27. If you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window, the likelihood of conception increases significantly.

Emergency contraception (EC), such as the morning-after pill, is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. The effectiveness of EC is highest when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days post-intercourse. Since you took the emergency contraceptive pill on December 28, it is important to note that while it can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not 100% effective. The effectiveness can vary based on factors such as the timing of ovulation and the type of emergency contraceptive used.

In your case, since you had sexual intercourse on December 27 and took the emergency contraceptive the following day, there is still a chance of pregnancy, albeit reduced. If you were not ovulating at the time of intercourse, the likelihood of conception would be lower. However, if you were close to ovulation, the risk remains.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the use of emergency contraception can cause temporary changes in your menstrual cycle. You may experience irregular bleeding or changes in the timing of your next period. If your period does not arrive within a week of when you expect it, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In summary, while the use of emergency contraception significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. The timing of your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and the promptness of taking the emergency contraceptive all play critical roles in determining the likelihood of conception. If you have further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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